Ryan O'Neal says he has Stage 2 prostate cancer

[April 17, 2012]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Ryan O'Neal says the prognosis is positive for his recovery from recently diagnosed Stage 2 prostate cancer.

The 70-year-old actor said in a statement released through his publicist on Monday that he was "shocked and stunned by the news" but feels fortunate the disease was caught early. He says he's expected to make a full recovery.

A memoir about his romance with actress Farrah Fawcett, "Both of Us: My Life With Farrah," will be published on May 1. Fawcett died in 2009 after a public battle with cancer.

O'Neal says he's grateful for the support of his friends and family and advocates regular exams since early detection is the best defense.

Higher stage numbers mean more extensive disease, with Stage 4 being the highest, according to the National Cancer Institute.

[Associated Press]

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